Magnetic therapy device

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a magnetic therapeutic device which subjects a treatment area such as an anatomical area or plant to a dynamic magnetic field having an amplitude of at least a half waveform. To subject the treatment area to such a dynamic magnetic field, the magnetic source may be rotated, oscillated, moved through a particular pattern, or otherwise moved relative to the treatment area. Each embodiment of the present invention includes at least one permanent magnet contained within a housing having an application surface which is adapted to engage a treatment area such as an anatomical area of a user&#39;s body. The application surface is positioned relative to the magnet so that the magnetic field extends around and/or through the application surface to the anatomical area to be treated. Each magnet has a north and south magnetic pole and a pole width equal to the width of the magnet at the poles. Means for moving the permanent magnet are provided in each embodiment, and are preferably positioned within the housing.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application08/852,543 filed May 7, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,055 which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/016,771 filed May 7,1996, of which both are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to therapeutic devices, and moreparticularly to such therapeutic devices which utilize dynamic magneticfields.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The beneficial effects of applying a magnetic field to an area of humanand animal anatomy such as the back, legs, arms and the like, are widelyknown and well documented. Magnetic fields are commonly used fortherapeutic purposes such as reduction of inflammation in tissues andpain relief. Magnetic fields are known to improve the blood flow totissues to which the magnetic field is applied. Additionally, theapplication of magnetic fields to plants is likewise believed to have abeneficial effect on plant growth.

To enhance such beneficial effects, a dynamic magnetic field may beapplied to the anatomical area to be treated. The relative movement ofmagnetic fields through treatment area acts on charged particles such asions and electrons in the treatment area, displacing the positively andnegatively charged particles in opposite directions. The movement ofions and charges influences the distribution of ions on cell membranes,thereby affecting the electrical potential on such cell membranes. Themovement of electrons results in locally generated eddy currents whichaffect the cellular functions of muscles, nerves and other tissues. Sucheddy currents have been associated with the activation of capillaryblood flow, the relaxation of muscle and connective tissue, and theblocking of propagation of pain impulses as well as other nervefunctions.

To maximize the displacement of charged particles (maximizeelectromotive force product), three variables may be manipulated; theintensity of the magnetic field at the treatment site, the rate ofchange of the magnetic field at the treatment site, and the amplitude ofthe net change in magnetic flux (or waveform) to which the treatmentsite is subjected. The intensity of the magnetic field may be varied byvarying the strength of the permanent magnet utilized. The rate ofchange of the magnetic field may be varied by varying the speed at whichthe permanent magnet is moved relative to the treatment area.

The last listed variable, the amplitude of the net change in magneticflux, is believed by some practitioners to be the most importantvariable in the application of magnetic therapy. Permanent magnets havea north pole and south pole, with north pole magnetic flux emanatingfrom the north pole, and south pole magnetic flux emanating from thesouth pole. An object moving through the magnetic field generated by apermanent magnet from the north pole of the magnet to the south pole ofthe magnet is subjected first to a full north pole field. As the objectmoves toward the south pole, the strength of the north pole fielddecreases until a neutral field is encountered, approximately at themidpoint of the magnet. As the object continues to move toward the southpole, the object is subjected to a south pole field of increasingintensity until the object reaches the south pole of the magnet where itis subjected to a full south pole field. By moving in this fashion, theobject is subjected to a “full waveform.” Likewise, an object moved fromthe south pole to the north pole is also subjected to a full waveform. Amaximum displacement of the electrical and ionic equilibrium is achievedwhen the treatment area is subjected to a full waveform, the treatmentarea experiencing a complete reversal of magnetic flux. An object may besubjected to a “half waveform” by moving the object from a full northpole field to neutral or full south pole field to neutral. Manypractitioners believe that subjecting a treatment area to magnetic fluxfields consisting of primarily north pole flux (e.g., half waveforms ofnorth pole flux) enhances the therapeutic effect of the treatment on theanatomical area. The amplitude of the change in magnetic flux may bemanipulated to provide preferred configurations of magnetic fields totreatment areas.

A wide variety of devices have been used to expose an anatomical area toa moving magnetic field. Unfortunately, none of the prior art devicespermit the magnetic field to be particularly configured to meetparticular therapeutic needs, such as the application of a magneticfield having substantially all north pole flux to a treatment area.

Another commonly used therapy for treatment of pain and enhancement ofmuscular relaxation is vibrational massage. The therapeutic effect ofvibrational massage on body tissue is well documented. Many therapeuticdevices are available which apply vibration to an anatomical area suchas the muscles of the lower back to enhance circulation and relax suchmuscle.

While various prior art devices apply dynamic magnetic fields to variousanatomical areas, none of the prior art devices apply a dynamic magneticfield in conjunction with vibratory massage. While each procedure hasbeen utilized to increase blood flow to an effected area, thecombination of procedures increases the beneficial effects to the useras the treated area receives both mechanical massage and magneticstimulation to enhance blood flow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes disadvantages of the prior art byproviding a magnetic therapeutic device which subjects a treatment areasuch as an animal or human target area or plant structure to a dynamicmagnetic field having an amplitude of at least a half waveform. Inselected embodiments, the dynamic magnetic field is utilized inconjunction with vibratory massage.

To subject the treatment area to a dynamic magnetic field as describedabove, the magnetic source may be rotated, oscillated, moved through aparticular pattern, or otherwise moved relative to the treatment area.Thus, embodiments of the present invention include rotationalembodiments wherein the magnetic source is rotated about an axis,oscillatory embodiments wherein the magnetic source is oscillated withrespect to the anatomical or other area to be treated, embodimentscharacterized by free movement of the magnetic source within acontainer, and patterned movement of the magnetic source containedwithin a container.

Regardless of the pattern of movement of the magnetic source, eachembodiment of the present invention includes at least one permanentmagnet preferably contained within a housing having an applicationsurface which is adapted to engage a treatment area such as ananatomical area of a user's body. The application surface is positionedrelative to the magnet so that the magnetic field extends around and/orthrough the application surface to the anatomical area to be treated.Each magnet has a north and south magnetic pole and a pole width equalto the width of the magnet at the poles. Means for moving the permanentmagnet are provided in each embodiment, and are preferably positionedwithin the housing.

The various rotational embodiments of the invention comprise a permanentmagnet mounted on a shaft which is rotated by a motor. The motor, shaftand magnet are enclosed in the housing, the motor being mounted to thehousing. In the preferred rotational embodiment, a ferromagnetic metalblock is attached to either the north or south pole face of the magnet.The ferromagnetic block acts as a magnetic shunt channeling the fluxdirectly into the covered pole, thereby altering the distribution offlux traveling through air or space directly above either pole. Allmagnets are bi-polar devices with a north and south pole face 180° outof phase. Normally a symmetrical flux pattern extends into spaceequidistant from both poles. A paramagnetic shunt provides a lessresistive pathway for flux lines than air, and as a result can be usedto shape the geometry of a magnetic field in space. Flux emanating froma north pole will project out into space beyond the north pole bynominally five inches in a typical embodiment from whence the flux mustcomplete a magnetic circuit and return via the south pole, actuallyreturning to its point of origin within the magnet. A sufficientlymassive paramagnetic pole piece covering the south pole will conduct thereturning flux directly into the south pole, and will prevent this fluxfrom reaching out into space beyond the south pole. Without the polepiece the flux pattern would have been symmetrical and flux in the aboveexample would project five inches out from the south pole face also. Forexample, if the block is attached to the south pole face of the magnet,the magnet will emanate only north pole flux. Thus, as the ferromagneticblock and magnet spin about the shaft, the treatment area is subjectedto a rotating magnetic field having a half wave form of north polemagnetic flux.

In an alternate rotational embodiment, the magnet is eccentricallyrotated about the shaft. The eccentric rotation of the permanent magnettransmits vibration to the housing and application surface and impartsvibration to the anatomical area being treated. Preferably, aneccentrically mounted weight is positioned on the shaft so that, as themotor spins the shaft, the eccentric movement of the weight and magnettransmits sufficient force to the housing through the connection to themotor, causing the housing to vibrate. The magnetic element may beeccentrically mounted to the shaft, thereby eliminating or reducing theneed for an additional eccentric weight.

The rotation of the magnet about the shaft subjects the treatment areato a full waveform and maximum variation of the amplitude of themagnetic field. The application of a full wave form in combination withvibratory massage may be preferred in some treatment regimens.

Additionally, the vibratory massage also provides tactile feedbackregarding where the treatment device is being applied.

In yet another rotational embodiment, a ferromagnetic block may be addedto the second rotational embodiment having an eccentrically rotatedpermanent magnet. Thus, a treatment area may be subjected to a rotatingmagnetic field having a half wave form simultaneously with vibratorymassage. Preferably, the ferromagnetic block is configured to enhance orreplace the eccentric weight.

In the oscillatory embodiments of the present invention, a fixedarrangement of permanent magnets is positioned within the housing, thearrangement being oscillated with respect to the anatomical area to betreated. Means for oscillating the arrangement of magnets is providedand is preferably positioned within the housing.

In a first oscillatory embodiment, a plurality of magnets are fixedlymounted on a supporting plate, the magnets being spaced apart from eachother so that the each magnet is spaced apart from the next nearestmagnets by at least one pole width. Each magnet may be positioned sothat the upwardly facing pole of each magnet is the same. For example,in one configuration, the north pole face of each magnet is mounted tothe supporting plate. In an alternate configuration, the south pole faceof each magnet is mounted to the supporting plate. By laterallydisplacing magnets so arranged proximate to the treatment area, sucharea is subjected to a repeating half waveform (full north to zero tofull north). Preferably, the oscillation additionally impartsvibrational massage to the treatment area. Additionally, the magnets maybe mounted on a ferromagnetic plate.

In the second oscillatory embodiment, a plurality of elongated magneticsources are placed adjacent to each other so that a repeating pattern ofalternating magnetic poles are formed, the poles being spaced apart by apredetermined distance. The oscillation of the magnetic sources by adistance equal to or greater than the predetermined distance subjectsthe treatment area to a complete reversal of magnetic flux, i.e., a fullwaveform.

Alternate embodiments of the present invention include a containerwithin which at least one permanent magnet is disposed. The container isconfigured to retain the poles of the magnet in a particular orientationwith respect to the treatment area. The container enables the magnet tomove freely within a first plane such as a horizontal plane, butprevents the magnet from moving in a second plane such as a verticalplane, the container preventing the magnet from “flipping over.” Bypreventing the permanent magnet from “flipping over,” the treatment areais subjected to a magnetic field having a half waveform. The containeris positioned proximate to the application surface of the housing and,in selected embodiments, a surface of the container may constitute anapplication surface.

Embodiments of the present invention which include patterned movement ofthe magnetic source relative to the treatment area include embodimentswhere a permanent magnet is moved through a contoured container such asan elongated cylindrical closed tube. In the preferred embodiments, thetube is formed into a path having a non-linear, geometric, linear orother shape. The permanent magnets may be moved through such contouredcontainers by a variety of means, including pneumatic pressure and thelike. Alternate embodiments which include patterned movement of apermanent magnet include means, such as a series of cams and gears, formoving the magnet through a repeating pattern. For example, the magnetmay be attached to a cam, providing asymmetrical movement of the magnetwith respect to the treatment area. Each embodiment which includespatterned movement of the magnetic source relative to the treatment areamay provide for the application of a full waveform or half waveform tosuch area.

The various embodiments of the present invention may also include meanssuch as straps or a flexible casing for removably affixing theapplication surface to an anatomical area such as an arm, leg or back.

Other objects, advantages and applications of the present invention willbe made clear by the following detailed description of a preferredembodiment of the invention. The description makes reference to drawingsin which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of selected elements of the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a partial cross-sectional end view of the components depictedin FIG. 2 taken along lines 3—3;

FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional end view of an alternate embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 3C is an alternate embodiment of the magnet, block and shaft of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3D is another an alternate embodiment of the magnet, block andshaft of the present invention;

FIG. 3E is yet another alternate embodiment of the magnet, block andshaft of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4taken along lines 5—5;

FIG. 6 is a view of the magnetic flux lines in an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a view of the magnetic flux lines of an alternate embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 8A is a view of the magnetic flux lines in another embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 8B is a view of the magnetic flux lines in yet another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the magnet ofthe present invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an alternateembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional top view of another alternateembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective partial view of a plurality of magnets mountedto a rotating disk;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a container of the present invention;

FIG. 13B is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another container which may be utilizedin the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention described herein is a therapeutic device, shown in theattached figures at 10, for applying a dynamic magnetic field to an areato be treated, such as an anatomical area of a human or animal, or aplant, seed, seedling or the like. Each therapeutic device 10 includesat least one permanent magnet 24 having north and south magnetic poles,designated as “N” and “S”, respectively. Each magnetic pole has a polewidth, designated as “D,” the pole width being equal to the width D ofthe magnet 24 at that pole. While irregularly shaped magnets may beutilized in the various embodiments of the present invention, magnetshaving a uniform pole width are preferred in this embodiment ofalternating poles.

Each therapeutic device 10 includes elements which act in concert tolaterally displace the magnet relative to the treatment area by adistance equal to at least the pole width D of the permanent magnet.These elements are described in detail below. In certain embodiments(i.e., FIG. 10), the treatment area is exposed to a half waveform ofmagnetic flux. In other embodiments (i.e., FIG. 11), the treatment areais exposed to a fall waveform of magnetic flux. Still other embodimentsmay permit treatment area to be exposed to either a half or fullwaveform.

For example, the device of FIG. 11 may be used to subject the treatmentarea to a complete reversal of magnetic flux, i.e., a full waveform, bysubjecting the treatment area first to a full north pole field. Magnet24 may be moved relative to the treatment area by a distance equal toone-half of the distance D so that the strength of the north pole fielddecreases until a neutral field is encountered, approximately at themidpoint of the magnet. As the magnet 24 continues to move laterallythrough the distance D, the treatment area is subjected to a south polefield of increasing intensity until the treatment area is subjected to afull south pole field.

Each therapeutic device 10 includes a surface 14 adapted to engage atreatment area to impart dynamic magnetic flux to such area. The surface14 is located relative to the permanent magnet 24 so that the magneticflux of the magnet extends beyond the surface 14. The relative positionof magnet 24 and surface 14 are depicted in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and13B. FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 depict the lines of magnetic flux 50 as theypenetrate and/or extend around surface 14. In FIG. 6, magnet 24 ispositioned above and substantially parallel to surface 14, the uppersurface of magnet 24 being the south pole, the lower surface of magnet24 being the north pole. Magnetic flux lines 50, emanating from thenorth pole of magnet 24, penetrate surface 14. FIG. 7 depicts a magnet24 which is also positioned above and substantially parallel to surface14, the magnet in FIG. 4 having its north pole positioned at therightmost edge of magnet 24, the leftmost edge of the magnet 24 beingthe south pole of the magnet. Magnetic flux lines 50 emanate from thenorth pole, encircling rather than penetrating surface 14. FIG. 8depicts an embodiment of the present invention whereby the magnetic fluxlines 50 penetrate and encircle different portions of surface 14. It isto be understood that a wide variety of magnetic flux patterns may beutilized in conjunction with the present invention without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the invention.

Embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A-E, 4, 5,6, 7, 8A-B and 12 include elements which act to rotate the magnet 24.

The device 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a permanent magnet 24 mounted toa shaft 20 which extends outwardly from a motor 18. In the preferredembodiment, the magnet 24 is eccentrically mounted to shaft 20. Motor 18imparts a rotary motion to shaft 20 so that shaft 20 spins about itslongitudinal axis X. Motor 18, shaft 20 and magnet 24 are enclosed in ahousing 12, the motor 18 being rigidly mounted in the interior cavity 13of housing 12 by a mechanical connection 32. A variety of semi-rigidmechanical connections 32 may be used to mount motor 18 within housing12, such as bolting, riveting, or forming the interior surface ofhousing 12 to fixedly engage the exterior configuration of motor 18.

Housing 12 has an upper portion 16, a lower portion 17, and a surface 14which is adapted to engage an anatomical area of the user's body towhich the therapeutic benefits of vibration and dynamic magnetic fieldsis required. Upper portion 16 and lower portion 17 are releasablysecured to each other so that the elements positioned within theinterior cavity 13 of housing 12 are accessible, simplifying assemblyand repair of such components. Any conventional means may be utilized toreleasably secure upper portion 16 to lower portion 17, such as screws,plastic locking members integrally formed in the housing portions or thelike.

As shown in FIG. 3A, a weight 30 is also eccentrically mounted on shaft20. The size of weight 30 may be varied to increase or decrease theamplitude of vibration of surface 14. As shaft 20 rotates, the magnet 24and weight 30 create vibration which is transmitted via the rigidmechanical connection 32 to housing 12. A user simply positions thesurface 14 adjacent to the anatomical area to be treated.

The end 22 of shaft 20 may be rotatably mounted to the interior surface13 of housing 12 to enhance the mechanical rigidity of the connectionbetween the motor 18 and the housing 12. A bearing element 28 may bepositioned between the end of shaft 22 and housing 12 to reduce wear onmotor 18.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the surface 14 is cylindrical inshape and may be placed against a user's arm, calf, back muscle or thelike. The surface 14 is positioned relative to magnet 24 so that themagnetic flux lines extend beyond surface 14 into the anatomical area tobe treated. The strength of the magnet 24 may be varied to accommodatevarying configurations of housings 12 and surfaces 14.

In the preferred rotational embodiments, a ferromagnetic metal block 52,composed of iron, steel or the like, is attached to either the north orsouth pole face of the magnet 24. Block 52 preferably has a rectangularcross sectional area and is at least as large as magnet 50, althoughsquare and other cross-sectional areas may be utilized. Alternateconfigurations of the block 52 and magnet 24 are depicted in FIGS. 3B-E.The ferromagnetic block 52 acts as a magnetic shunt by channeling theflux lines 50 emanating from the pole to which the ferromagnetic blockis attached. An alternate embodiment of the device depicted in FIG. 2 isdepicted in FIG. 3B. A block 52 has been positioned adjacent to thenorth pole face of magnet 24. The north pole flux, indicated by lines50, extend beyond motor 18 through housing 12. Flux lines 50 returnthrough block 52 to the south pole. Flux radiating from the south poletravels through block 52 and does not radiate outside the housing. As aresult, the magnet will emanate only north pole flux. Thus, as theferromagnetic block and magnet spin about the shaft 20, the treatmentarea is subjected to a rotating magnetic field having a half wave formof north pole magnetic flux.

FIGS. 3C-E depict alternate configurations of the magnet 24 andferromagnetic block 52. FIG. 3C depicts a block 52 mounted to the southpole face of magnet 24, the block and magnet being mounted on shaft 20and rotatable about axis X. FIG. 3D illustrates an embodiment wherein aferromagnetic block 52 is positioned between two magnets 24, the magnets24 being mounted to block 52 along their south pole faces. FIG. 3Ddepicts yet another embodiment wherein four magnets 24 are mounted toblock 52, the south pole faces of each block being mounted to a side ofblock 52.

Although the housing 12 may be configured in a wide variety of shapes,an alternate embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 4 and5 includes a housing 12 having a disk-shaped configuration. The surface14 of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 is substantially flatter thanthe surface 14 of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, enabling theembodiment depicted in FIG. 4 to be used to treat larger anatomicalareas of a user, such as the lower or upper back.

Motor 18 may be powered remotely or from a source mounted within housing12. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, motor 18 may be connected viaelectrical connections 38 to batteries 36 positioned within housing 12.A switch 34, in electrical communication with motor 18, is preferablymounted in housing 12 and extends exteriorly of the housing so that auser may initiate rotation of magnet 24. There are a variety of suitablemethods which are well known in the art for providing power to motor 18.Additionally, pneumatic, spring, hydraulic or other motors may beutilized.

The embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 utilizes a standard electricalreceptacle as a remote power source and includes an electrical cord 44having an electrical plug 46 configured to engage such electricalreceptacles. Switch 34 is in electrical communication with cord 44 andmay be configured to permit a user to select varying rotational speedsof motor 18 and magnet 24. Thus, the user may vary the vibrationalfrequency applied to the treatment area by varying the rotational speedof motor 18. Although particular power supplies and switchconfigurations are depicted with particular embodiments, it isunderstood that any suitable power supply and switch configuration maybe used to operate motor 18 in any embodiment.

Embodiments of the invention may incorporate motors capable of a varietyof rotational speeds, thereby permitting adjustment of the dynamicmagnetic field. The speed of rotation controls the pulse frequency andamplitude of vibratory massage which stimulates circulation andrelaxation of the tissue. Devices of the present invention may utilize awide variation of rotational speeds while maintaining their therapeuticeffect on the treatment area. The preferred embodiment of the presentinvention utilizes a motor which spins shaft 20 between 400 and 8,000revolutions per minute. As the rotational speed of permanent magnet 24was increased from 400 revolutions per minute to 5,000 revolutions perminute, users reported a preferred tactile sensation. Spin rates above5,000 revolutions per minute and below 400 revolutions per minute mayalso be utilized where factors dictate optimal frequency.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 taken alonglines 5—5, depicting the arrangement of the motor 18, shaft 20, andmagnet 24 within interior cavity 13 of housing 12. In this embodiment, adisk 26 is mounted on and keyed to shaft 20 so that, as motor 18 rotatesshaft 20, disk 26 is rotated at the same revolutions per minute as shaft20. Magnet 24 is fixedly mounted to disk 26 so that the rotation of disk26 creates eccentric rotation of shaft 20, causing vibration which iscommunicated through the rigid mechanical connection 32 of the motor 18to housing 12 and surface 14. FIG. 12 depicts a plurality of magnets 24positioned on disk 26 which may be used within the embodiment depictedin FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIGS. 9-11 depict embodiments of the present invention whereby themagnet 24 is oscillated with respect to the treatment area. In eachembodiment depicted in FIGS. 9-11, a plurality of permanent magnets aremounted on plate 54. If desired, plate 54 may be composed of aferromagnetic material.

Oscillation of the magnet permits the selection of a particularwaveform, whereas rotation of the magnet necessarily requires a fullwaveform. A full waveform may be selected, the waveform varying betweenthe negative pole and the positive pole. Alternatively, a half waveformmay be selected, with the waveform varying between either the negativepole and the neutral or the positive pole and the neutral.

Additionally, the oscillatory movement of the magnets may also beutilized to impart vibration to the treatment area in a manner similarto that described above.

FIG. 10 depicts an oscillatory embodiment of the present inventionwherein the magnets are mounted to the plate 54 so that each magnet 24is spaced apart from the next nearest magnet by at least one pole widthD. As shown in FIG. 10, magnets 24 are mounted to the upper surface ofplate 54 so that the north pole is facing away from the upper surface ofplate 54. Plate 54 is oscillated along the horizontal plane by at leastthe distance D and preferably by a distance equal to two pole widths bya solenoid motor which includes solenoid 56, power supply 60, switch 34,return spring 62 and stop 68. The elements of the depicted solenoidmotor interact in the manner commonly known to those skilled in the artto oscillate the magnets 24 back and forth in a horizontal plane. Othermechanisms may be utilized in the present invention to oscillate magnets24 in a given plane.

FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of the invention wherein the permanentmagnets 24 are arranged in a checkerboard pattern of alternating northand south poles.

FIG. 9 depicts a magnet 24 comprised of a repeating pattern ofalternating magnetic strips having north or south magnetic poles. Themagnet depicted in FIG. 9 creates flux lines having centers spaced apartby the distance Y. The oscillation of magnet 24 by a distance equal toor greater than Y subjects the treatment area to a complete reversal ofmagnetic flux. This motion maximizes the differential of magnetic fluxapplied to the body portion. The magnet depicted in FIG. 9 may beutilized in any other oscillatory embodiment such as the embodimentsdepicted in FIGS. 10 and 11.

Alternate embodiments of the present invention include a container,depicted in FIG. 14 at 70, within which at least one permanent magnet 24is disposed. The container is preferably oscillated by a mechanism suchas a solenoid motor, although the container may be moved relative to thetreatment area in a variety of ways. The container 70 is configured toretain the poles of the magnet in a particular orientation with respectto the treatment area. The container depicted in FIG. 14 is box-shaped,magnet 24 being disposed therein so that its north pole faces upwardlyand its south pole faces downwardly. The container 70 enables magnet 24to move freely within a first plane such as a horizontal plane, butprevents the magnet from moving in a second plane such as a verticalplane, the container preventing the magnet from “flipping over,”subjecting the treatment area which was subjected to north pole flux tobe suddenly subjected to south pole flux. By preventing the permanentmagnet from “flipping over,” the treatment area is subjected to amagnetic field having a half waveform. The container is preferablypositioned proximate to the surface 14 of the housing 12 and, inselected embodiments, a surface of the container may constitute asurface 14.

The embodiments depicted in FIGS. 13A and 13B require that the magnetmove in a particular pattern through a contoured container. Thecontainers 70 depicted in FIGS. 13A and 13B are elongated cylindricalclosed tubes through which at least one magnet 24 moves. In thepreferred embodiments, the tube is formed into a path having anon-linear, geometric or other shape. The permanent magnets 24 may bemoved repeatedly through such contoured containers 70 by a variety ofmeans, including pneumatic pressure and the like. FIG. 13B depictscontainer 70 positioned within housing 12, a plurality of magnets 24contained within and moving through the elongated tube.

Alternate embodiments which include patterned movement of a permanentmagnet include means, such as a series of cams and gears, for moving themagnet through a repeating pattern. For example, the magnet may beattached to a cam, providing asymmetrical movement of the magnet withrespect to the treatment area. Each embodiment which includes patternedmovement of the magnetic source relative to the treatment area mayprovide for the application of a full waveform or half waveform to sucharea.

Preferably, neodymium iron boron magnets are utilized in the presentinvention, for maximum strength, although ceramic magnets,electromagnets or other more powerful magnets may be utilized as theybecome available. A neodymium magnet having a rectangular shape andspinning on its long axis is preferably utilized in the presentinvention.

As shown in FIG. 4, straps 40 may be provided to enable a user to placethe device 10 proximate to the anatomical area to be treated and affixdevice 10 in position, enabling the user to perform tasks whilereceiving the therapeutic benefits of vibratory massage and alternatingmagnetic fields. The invention may also be constructed as a freestanding device or may be incorporated into a pillow, chair or mattress.

Additionally, a plurality of magnets may be used and mounted to shaft 20to enhance and vary the magnetic flux and vibratory pattern applied tothe treatment area.

What is claimed is:
 1. A magnetic therapeutic device comprising: atleast one permanent magnet having north and south poles and a pole widthwherein the at least one permanent magnet is mounted to a rotatableshaft having an axis of rotation at an orientation such that therapeuticmagnetic flux of said at least one permanent magnet predominantlyextends in a plane non-parallel to the axis of rotation; at least oneferromagnetic block mounted to said at least one permanent magnet suchthat the ferromagnetic block is adjacent to a magnetic pole; a surfaceadapted to engage a treatment area to impart magnetic flux to thetreatment area, the surface being located relative to the at least onepermanent magnet such that the magnetic flux extends beyond the surface;and a drive system for rotating said at least one magnet about saidshaft.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said drive system comprises arotary motor having said shaft extending outwardly therefrom.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein said shaft rotates eccentrically.
 4. Thedevice of claim 3 wherein said shaft is a cam shaft.
 5. The device ofclaim 1 further comprising a plurality of magnets mounted on a plate. 6.The device of claim 5 wherein the plate is a ferromagnetic plate.
 7. Thedevice of claim 5 wherein said plurality of magnets are arranged in adimensionally alternating pattern of north and south poles.
 8. Thedevice of claim 5 wherein said plurality of magnets are mounted to saidplate such that each magnet of said plurality is at least one pole widthfrom another magnet of said plurality.
 9. The device of claim 1 whereinsaid at least one permanent magnet is rectilinear in cross sectionorthogonal to the axis of rotation.
 10. A magnetic therapeutic devicecomprising: a plurality of magnets each having north and south poles anda pole width wherein said plurality of magnets is mounted to a rotatableshaft having an axis of rotation at an orientation such that therapeuticmagnetic flux of said plurality of magnets predominantly extends in aplane non-parallel to the axis of rotation; a surface adapted to engagea treatment area to impart magnetic flux to the treatment area, thesurface being located relative to said plurality of magnets such thatthe magnetic flux extends beyond the surface; and a drive system forrotating said plurality of magnets about said shaft.
 11. The device ofclaim 10 further comprising: at least one ferromagnetic block mounted tosaid at least one of said plurality of magnets such that theferromagnetic block is adjacent to a magnetic pole.
 12. The device ofclaim 10 wherein said drive system comprises a rotary motor having saidshaft extending outwardly therefrom.
 13. The device of claim 10 whereinsaid shaft rotates eccentrically.
 14. The device of claim 10 whereinsaid plurality of magnets are arranged in a dimensionally alternatingpattern of north and south poles.
 15. The device of claim 10 whereinsaid plurality of magnets are mounted to a plate such that each magnetof said plurality is at least one pole width from another magnet of saidplurality.